Gastric Ulcer

Question 1

Who are at risk of getting gastric ulcers?

Answer 1

Middle-aged adults

Question 2

What causes gastric ulcers?

Answer 2

H. Pylori
NSAID’s
Smoking

Question 3

How do the H. Pylori bacteria, NSAID’s and smoking affect the GI Tract?

Answer 3

They disrupt normal mucosal defense and repair, making the mucosa more susceptible to acid leading to an ulcer.
An ulcer is associated with an imbalance between protective and aggressive factors, with inflammation being a leading cause of this imbalance

Question 4

How does smoking increases the chances of a gastric ulcer?

Answer 4

Smoking impairs ulcer healing and increases the incidence of recurrence.

Question 5

Compare and contrast duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcers.

Answer 5

Duodenal ulcer:
Associated with H. pylori bacteria
Increase in acid and pepsin load
Gastric metaplasia in the duodenal cap.
Consistent pain
Pain is absent when the patient awakens but appears in mid-morning
Pain is relieved by food, but recurs 2 to 3 h after a meal.

Gastric ulcer:
Associated with NSAID ingestion
although H. pylori infection might also be present
Pain doesnt have a consistent pattern

Question 6

What would a patient with GERD complain of?

Answer 6

Pain localized to the epigastrium and relieved by food or antacids.
The pain is described as burning or gnawing, or sometimes as a sensation of hunger.

Question 7

What are some complications of GERD?

Answer 7

GI bleeding and perforation
Gastric outlet obstruction
Stomach cancer